Dangerously hot temperatures entering Chicago area

Share Update:

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

Please enable Javascript to watch this video

CHICAGO -- It's going to be a hot one in Chicago later this week.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday will see temperatures climbing to nearly 100 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch from noon Thursday through Saturday for several counties. Residents are asked to limit their time outdoors, and stay hydrated.

The American Red Cross on Wednesday released its list of "Extreme Safety Tips":

Never leave children or pets in a vehicle – even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.

Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

Use a buddy system if required to work outdoors and take frequent breaks.

Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.

The Red Cross also says people without air conditioning should seek relief at public places such as libraries, shopping malls and movie theaters.

Please enable Javascript to watch this video

The Illinois Department of Public Health also urges residents to shower or bathe in cool water to lower body temperature, and check in on high-risk family members, friends and neighbors. These could include seniors and people with chronic health conditions.

The city of Chicago will also have cooling centers available in a handful of neighborhoods. See the list here.

Long exposure to heat will increase your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, here's how you can recognize symptoms of both -- and how to treat them:

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms:

Heavy sweating

Weakness

Skin cold, pale, and clammy

Weak pulse

Fainting and vomiting

What to do:

Move to a cooler location

Lie down and loosen your clothing

Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible

Sip water

If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately

Heat stroke

Symptoms:

High body temperature (above 103°F)

Hot, red, dry or moist skin

Rapid and strong pulse

Possible unconsciousness

What to do:

Call 911 immediately – this is a medical emergency

Move the person to a cooler location

Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or a bath

Do NOT give fluids

There are also apps you may download for help and extreme heat safety tips: